Throughout my 24 year career in the Army where I first skied at the age of 18, I have been lucky enough to have done, rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, caving, shooting and blowing stuff up, skiing or rather hooning down the steepest black runs both on and off piste, not just alpine skiing but Nordic, Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering, most of the latter as an Arctic Warfare Instructor for 5 years.

My dream of being in the Commando Forces came when I was 30 years old when I had the honor to serve with the men of 59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers for just a short time. Why am I doing this? To raise a mountain of cash for the Meningitis Trust. I lost my first born son Warren to the disease just before his 4th birthday, I know he visits me in his spirit form; he will be with me all the way to the South Pole (hopefully not sat on my pulk making it heavier, laughing at me as I suffer 18 hours of the day).

And of course to apply all those skills learned and to help my team mates along this journey to complete this once in a lifetime feat of ultimate endurance.

Thanks also to my partner Alison and to my friends and family for their continued support of me competing in this event.

Oh, one last thing - Are we there yet?

This race is the opportunity to undertake one of the most amazing experiences possible and at the same time allow lots of money to be raised for charity.

Leading such a normal life this is something that will certainly make me experience new things and provide a different perspective on the world.

I can't wait to get started!